HC Deb 11 April 1938 vol 334 c752
41. Mr. A. Bevan

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons on workmen's compensation who are being assisted by the public assistance authorities?

Mr. Bernays

I regret that this information is not available in my Department.

Mr. Bevan

Will the hon. Member take steps to obtain this information in order that the House may be made aware of the extent to which the ratepayers are subsidising insurance companies?

Mr. Bernays

I am afraid it is not possible to publish this information, because the records of Poor Law authorities do not make any distinction between applicants who are in receipt of workmen's compensation and those who are not.

Mr. Bevan

Is the hon. Member perfectly satisfied about that? Will he make inquiries of public assistance authorities? I am sure he would discover that this information is available.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Is the hon. Member aware that the West Riding County Council keep the number of compensation cases and that he could get this information if he writes to them?

Mr. Bernays

I shall be glad to have any information the hon. Member has on this matter, but I am informed that Poor Law authorities do not make this distinction.